Baptism of grandchild

Our son and his wife were both raised Lutheran, he as WELS, and her exact denomination I am uncertain of. They have not attended WELS church for years, and recently he asked for release from the WELS. They currently attend a free church. They now have a child and have not yet had him baptized. I am concerned for my grandchild and believe that baptism is commanded and necessary under God's word. We ourselves as grandparents are not active members in our current congregation, but are both WELS. How can we work and support to get the grandchild baptized without causing friction or concern? I assume that since they don't belong to a WELS and because he requested a release that a WELS pastor will not perform a baptism at this point. How do we proceed? Can I do the act of baptism as a confirmed member of the WELS? Thank you.

You are correct in observing that “baptism is commanded and necessary under God’s word.” Your concern for your grandchild is very much in place.

While you stated that your son asked for a release of membership, I do not know if he has already been released from membership. Your son may want to contact the pastor of the WELS church to verify his membership status and to ask about the Baptism of his son. The pastor will know how to proceed.

Baptism is certainly important, but so is the lifelong follow-up of instruction in God’s word. Baptism can plant saving faith in a person’s heart, but that faith needs to be nurtured through faithful application of God’s word. If that nurturing does not take place, faith can weaken and die.

You mentioned that you and your wife are not active members in your current congregation. I encourage you and your wife to set a good example for your son and his wife by being active members: faithfully hearing God’s word in church, receiving the Lord’s Supper often and letting “the message of Christ dwell richly among you” (Colossians 3:16), as evidenced by your personal and family usage of God’s word at home. This godly example will remind all involved how to understand Baptism properly and how not to misunderstand it. Baptism provides great blessings—yes—but faith needs to be maintained and strengthened through faithful use of God’s word. None of us want to fall into the trap of thinking that Baptism exempts us from worshiping the Lord faithfully in church or in our daily, personal lives. I pray that you and your family can resolve this important matter. Speak to your pastor for additional input. God bless you.